Tiffanie Karcher
Poughkeepsie
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate senior administrator with over fifteen years of progressive experience in Student Financial Services, specializing in financial aid regulation, processing and counseling, as well as leading compliance and training initiatives. Proven track record of implementing compliance measures resulting in multiple years without audit findings. Expertise in strategic planning, data analysis, and process improvements that drive efficiency while enhancing service and the overall student experience. Recognized for fostering collaboration across campus and maintaining open communication, with a strong dedication to ethical values, institutional goals, and a passion for promoting student access, success, and affordability.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Compliance & Training
Marist University
09.2011 - Current
- Hire, train, mentor and lead administrative staff with a student-centered focus.
- Lead compliance initiatives by monitoring federal and state regulations, communicating changes to leadership and staff, and assessing and updating policies and procedures.
- Collaborate closely with other offices to ensure financial aid, cost and consumer information is consistent and to assess and improve processes to promote student success and retention.
- Serve as the subject matter expert regarding federal, state, and internal regulatory requirements.
- Oversee and audit key functions such as the financial aid verification process, professional judgment reviews, C-Flag resolution, and Return of Title IV calculations.
- Manage staff who oversee the university’s appeals, endowed scholarship process, Presidential Equity Fund, Financial Literacy Program, and other initiatives.
- Conduct training for staff when new regulations, procedures, system updates, or new technologies are introduced.
- Advise families on the financial aid, billing, and student employment process, especially those with complex or sensitive circumstances. Provide budgeting and loan guidance.
- Present to prospective and enrolled students regarding the financial aid process. Conduct presentations for academic advisors and other colleagues across campus.
- Prepare and propose updates to communications to students, families, and others (including email communications, publications, student portal, and website updates).
- Collaborate with the Director of Multicultural Affairs to award financial aid, monitor student accounts, and counsel HEOP students and to ensure accurate HEOP reporting.
- Package and adjust aid for various student populations (traditional, adult, graduate).
- Prepared and submitted required reports such as the Common Data Set, NYSED, HEERF and Financial Value Transparency (FVT).
- Prepare records and data for audits; respond to inquiries from auditors and the Department of Education.
- Created discount rate reports, trend data, and financial aid projections for Enrollment Management; utilize data to propose and implement changes to packaging policies.
Independent Consultant
Blue Icon Advisors (NASFAA Consulting)
04.2024 - Current
- Served as Team Lead on projects for schools seeking assistance with systems readiness, assessing compliance, and training new staff.
- Led remote consultants on various projects, including processing special and unusual circumstance appeals and submitting FAFSA corrections.
Financial Aid Counselor- Client Relations
New York University
11.2008 - 09.2011
- Counseled families on aid eligibility and billing, as well as on institutional, federal, and state policies; offered thorough information to prepare families for unanticipated issues.
- Coordinated the financial aid process for high-priority populations, such as NYU Abu Dhabi applicants and students studying abroad.
- Collaborated closely with colleagues in other offices to best service students, improve procedures, and maintain consistency in university operations/communications.
- Utilized multiple resources and systems to process awards and adjustments to awards, such as budget appeals, professional judgments, and verifications.
- Audited other counselors’ verifications, award adjustments, etc. to ensure compliance.
- Assisted in quality control of awards posted in batch to identify and promptly correct any systematic or programming errors.
Personal Banker
The Bank of New York/ JPMorgan Chase
05.2005 - 10.2008
- Educated customers on financial products; submitted deposit and credit applications while ensuring compliance with internal policies and federal regulations.
- Managed sales campaigns, exceeding goals, during periods without a Branch Manager.
- Trained new staff on bank products, policies, and financial systems.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT05.2005
Skills
- Proficient in Ellucian Banner, PowerFAIDS, and PeopleSoft
- Experienced with ARGOS and Microsoft Office applications
- Relationship building; Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment
- Analytical problem-solving within policy guidelines
- Team leadership & development
- Strategic & data-driven decision making
Timeline
Independent Consultant
Blue Icon Advisors (NASFAA Consulting)
04.2024 - Current
Director of Compliance & Training
Marist University
09.2011 - Current
Financial Aid Counselor- Client Relations
New York University
11.2008 - 09.2011
Personal Banker
The Bank of New York/ JPMorgan Chase
05.2005 - 10.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Fairfield University
Community Outreach
- Conduct financial aid workshops for high school students; engage in financial literacy events for current college students (2008- Present)
- Volunteer at College Goal FAFSA completion events (2011- Present)
- Served on search and assessment committees for the Center for Multicultural Affairs, Admission, and Registrar
- Currently serving on Marist’s Retention Committee
- Created and co-presented the “150% Subsidized Federal Direct Loan Limitation” webinar for EASFAA (2016)
- Developed PowerPoints presented at NYSFAAA, including “Negotiated Rulemaking” and “Financial Aid Bingo” (2015)
- Guided high school students through the college search, admission, and financial aid process through Mentoring for Academic Achievement & College Success (2004-2005)
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